A strategy game is one in which the skills of the play and his decision making combine to influence the outcome. Usually, strategy games come in the form of video, board or computer games. Most games involve some strategy of some sort, however, those classified as strategy games tend exact the decision making skills of the player to determine more than half of the final scores. The word strategy echoes from the military meaning military planning and tactics to achieve results. This is in contrast to games in which players can rely to a large extent on probability to win.
Strategy games vary widely and can be found with different themes. Some of the genres include abstract strategy, war games, real time tactics or strategy games, simulation, building of cities and God games. In war games for instance, there is usually an extensive simulation of past military battles involving great leaders such as Alexander the Great, some Roman Emperors and even world wars I and . The player is usually required to take on the role of an important military person such as a general or commander or even an ordinary soldier who literally has an "impossible" mission to save the day. Traditionally, strategy games are played with physical miniatures or on a board. With the advent of the internet, however, one can find many online strategy games to play of for those who prefer, they can download strategy games.
In addition, there are also real time strategy games and real time tactics strategy games. The former apply to certain computer games, such as NukeZone, Blizzards Warcraft and Starcraft, where the player has to make quick decisions and take fast action as the games state change constantly. The latter however, concentrates more on control and operational aspects of warfare. Examples include the Close Combat and Total War series.
Simulation strategy games attempt or use real life situations as themes. Thus the player's decisions and actions result in similar consequences as it would be in real life. Abstract strategy games, on the other hand do not necessarily use real life themes. The player must understand the logic to win the game. This includes games such as Go, Chess, Checkers. Many free online strategy games can be played on the internet as well.
God strategy games are those in which the player assumes the role of God with everything else subject to him. The challenge is to find ways and means to overcome such unbridled power. Games in this genre include Populous, Black&White and God's Playing Field which is a free online strategy game.
Economic strategy games usually simulate real life business and require the player to win in a business or economic situation. Some examples are Monopoly, Transport Tycoon, Supreme Ruler 2010, Capitalism and Railroad Tycoon. City building strategy games also allow the player to build and manage a city. There are arguments as to whether games such SimCity and City Building Games series employ the player's analytical skills at all. Nevertheless, they are considered as strategy games. There are also the turn based strategy games (TBS) which forces the user to think about the game first before committing to play. They are different from the real time counterparts in that sense.
As with many other things, the advent of the internet has changed the face of gaming. Most people especially kids and teens prefer to play games online, whether it is strategy or puzzle or from any other category. To meet these demands, there are a number of quality websites offering quality free online strategy games. There is no need to download anything, nor is there any need for plug-ins. Literally, playing online multiplayer strategy games is just a mouse click away.
As time rolls on, we are likely to see many more free strategy games available for game lovers to choose from. Certainly this is a good sign.